Jubilee Post News & Views
- BCCI’s Call Feels Excessive
Sanjay Kishore
In a game defined not only by its numbers but by the passion behind them, individuality is what elevates cricket from a sport to a spectacle. So when young cricketer Digvesh Singh Rathi brought flair to the field with his signature-style celebration—drawing an invisible autograph in the air after taking a pivotal wicket—few expected it would result in disciplinary action.
But the BCCI thought otherwise. The governing body handed Rathi a one-match ban and levied a fine, citing concerns about maintaining the “spirit of the game.”
“A celebration should never come at the cost of the spirit of the game,” the BCCI’s official statement read.
But was Rathi’s gesture truly a breach of cricket’s spirit—or simply a harmless moment of self-expression in an increasingly dynamic sport?
A Gesture of Identity, Not Insult
Rathi’s celebration wasn’t aimed at an opponent, didn’t incite the crowd, and lacked any hint of mockery or disrespect. It was, in every sense, a personal trademark—a bit of theater in a sport that thrives on such flair.
For many, the punishment feels disproportionate.
“This is the kind of expression that makes players stand out, that connects with fans,” said a former India international, speaking anonymously. “If we sanitize every moment of emotion, we risk turning cricket into a robotic routine.”
Social Media Backs Rathi: #LetThemCelebrate Trends
Fans wasted no time rallying behind the young cricketer. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram were flooded with support under hashtags like #LetThemCelebrate and #JusticeForDigvesh.
“Cricket is not just about bat and ball—it’s about stories, moments, emotions,” tweeted @CricketSoul99. “Digvesh did nothing offensive. This is overkill.”
One viral post read
“We celebrate Kohli’s passion, Dhoni’s calm, and Harbhajan’s fire. Why can’t we embrace Digvesh’s flair?” This isn’t just fan-driven sentiment. It’s a reflection of how modern audiences—especially the younger generation—value authenticity and personality in their sports heroes.
Players Speak Out: “Let Him Be”
The cricketing fraternity hasn’t remained silent either. Hardik Pandya spoke candidly:
“Celebrations are a part of our DNA now. As long as it’s respectful, let the guy enjoy his moment. We need characters in cricket.”
Ravichandran Ashwin chimed in with a touch of irony:
“I’ve seen worse go unpunished. If Digvesh’s gesture is being penalized, we need to revisit our definitions of spirit and sportsmanship.”
From the younger side of the dressing room, Shubman Gill added on Instagram:
“Players bring passion and identity to the game. That’s what fans connect with. Let’s not punish expression.”
Drawing the Line—Or Moving It?
Yes, there’s a fine line between personal branding and perceived arrogance in elite sport. But unless that line is crossed with clear intent to insult or provoke, players must be allowed some leeway.
Because a signature celebration isn’t dissent. It’s not disrespect. It’s not aggression.
It’s a moment. A memory. A message: “This is me.”
And if cricket is to evolve, governing bodies like the BCCI need to evolve with it—not against it.
(The author is a senior journalist and these are his personal views)
